Thousands of people took to the streets in Itanagar, and different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, on November 19 seeking justice for Techi Meena Lishi and her unborn child, who were allegedly killed on November 5.
Citizens and members of civil society bodies staged a candlelight rally calling for strict punishment to the alleged perpetrators of the crime. Arunachal Pradesh Police had said that Techi Meena was killed by hired goons at her husband Lishi Roni’s behest.
The rally culminated at the residence of former MLA and Roni’s father, Lishi Legi, in Naharlagun, where people offered prayers and candles to late Meena’s grave.
‘Capital punishment for killing Techi Meena’
The Arunachal Times reported that an informal meet was held on the sidelines of the rally where Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) president Gumri Ringu said that their primary demands include capital punishment for the culprits and arrest of one Chumi Taya, who was reportedly in a relationship with the main accused, Roni, the husband of Techi Meena.
“While the society and the family of the deceased thank the police for prompt action in the case, we need to remember that arresting the culprits does not solve the crime. Arrest does not mean justice. We seek capital punishment for the culprits,” she was quoted as saying by The Arunachal Times.
Stating that polygamy was the primary reason for the murder, and holding Taya equally responsible, the APWWS president said that the society would be satisfied “only when the culprits are given capital punishment.”
“Roni and his accomplices have to be awarded capital punishment and Chumi Taya has to be arrested and booked under relevant sections of the law. She has to learn a lesson. Only then can we call this candlelight vigil a success,” Ringu asserted.
Techi Meena was found dead in an SUV
Thirty-six-year-old Techi Meena Lishi, who was seven months into pregnancy, was found dead in an SUV that had run off the road halfway down a cliff near the Karsingsa block point, around 25 km from Itanagar on November 5.
According to the police investigation, the deceased, Techi Meena, was allegedly murdered by the driver of the vehicle, on orders from her husband Roni Lishi, son of former legislator Lishi Legi.
